The Microsoft Volume Licensing program guides provide comprehensive descriptions of Volume Licensing programs, including information about Microsoft Software Assurance. Download these guides to get details about things such as program features, benefits, requirements, pricing, and agreement structure.

The datasheets provide an overview of Volume Licensing programs. Use these documents to get at-a-glance information about benefits, licensing options, pricing, Software Assurance benefits, and more.

Windows 8.1 Power User Guide for Business

Learn from this Windows 8.1 Power User Guide about the advanced features of Windows 8.1, such as File Explorer, Task Manager, Internet Explorer 11, Mobility Center, Windows To Go, and SkyDrive Pro. With Windows 8.1, you can get the most out of your device efficiently.

vtUtilities, designed for both accomplished and novice users, lets you to completely manage and maintain your Hyper-V by offering fully functioning monitoring capabilities, efficient network management, convenient diagnostic and troubleshooting features, management of virtual machines/virtual hard disks and networks on both local and remote Hyper-V Servers.

vtUtilities gains a host of new features, letting administrators to take advantage of Generation 2 Virtual Machines, get the most from virtual hard disk and storage quality of service, enjoy Hyper-V Replica (including support for extended replication) and Hyper-V virtual networking enhancements.

Manage Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 while still having a full access to Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012.

Not using Windows 8?
Solve the problem of managing Windows Server 2008 from Windows 7 by using vtUtilities - the tool provides a full graphical user interface and allows complete and effective management of virtual environments from the popular Windows 7 platform, as it does from Windows 8 as well.

Hyper-V Recovery Manager is unlike any other DR solutions previously available. A few key elements that really set it apart include:

Simple Setup and ConfigurationHyper-V Recovery Manager has been designed for simplicity. Since it’s a hosted service, customers don’t need to install/deploy additional servers or worry about servicing/patching. By installing a lightweight VMM provider, they can extend their existing VMM environments and quickly make it DR ready. By leveraging VMM’s management capabilities, the service can also push cross-site configuration across a large number of Hyper-V hosts and Virtual Machines. This enables scale without comprising on simplicity. You also setup your DR policies at the cloud level. This allows you to express policy such as, “I want all VMs in the Finance cloud to be replicated to my local service provider,” or, “I want all VMs in the Redmond Cloud to be replicated to the Chicago Cloud.”

Automated ProtectionHyper-V Recovery Manager leverages the capabilities of Hyper-V Replica to provide on-going replication of Virtual machines. The service also monitors for changes like VM migration, additions of new clusters, changes in network setting – and it automatically re-configures VM protection if needed. This ensures that Virtual Machines remain protected throughout the lifecycle without manual intervention.

Remote MonitoringHyper-V Recovery Manager can be accessed via the Windows Azure Portal from any internet-enabled device. VM protection status can also be remotely monitored and, in the event of an unforeseen disaster, customers can begin the recovery operations remotely.

Orchestrated RecoveryCloud-based Recovery Plans enables automated DR orchestration by sequencing the failover of different groups of Virtual Machines. For example: In a multi-tiered application you can arrange the Database tier, middle tier, and web tier in different groups within a Recovery Plan and sequence it such that the database tier fails over and boots upbefore the other tiers. Additionally, recovery plans can be customized with scripts and manual actions. For example, one can combine a SQL Always On failover PowerShell script with a Hyper-V Recovery Manager Recovery Plan for application-specific DR operations.

For a limited time we offer 30 day Preview version absolutely free, no registration required.

Pre-release software

This build is pre-release version of vtUtilities that cannot be installed on top of previous version. Please backup your production setup and/or license files and uninstall vtUtilities before installing this preview.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

In this course, you will learn about the new virtualization capabilities and innovations in Windows Server 2012 R2. The course starts off by delving into key capabilities of scalability and performance. Then, we'll explore security and multitenancy, in addition to business-critical needs, such as high availability, resiliency, and disaster recovery. The course finishes up with a look into the other innovative virtualization features in Windows Server 2012 R2.

View this two-module series for a complete understanding of the end-to-end process for implementing desktop virtualization using Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1. Virtualization comes in many forms and can be fit to suit many enterprise needs, from creating virtual machines to run on Windows 8.1, to server-based scenarios for administering shared and personal virtual desktop environments using Windows 2012 R2 Hyper-V.
New courses released in November 2013

This course discusses what is new in the world of networking and how System Center 2012 R2 can help manage Windows Server 2012 R2. The course also provides insight into industry trends, performance levels, and network performance.

This course contains four modules that provide an overview of Server Manager and Automation, as well as detailing new management capabilities, updates to Windows PowerShell, deployment options and methods, and MultiServer Management capabilities. This course provides education that will assist in getting started with Windows Server 2012 R2 in regard to management and automation, helping you to create a more efficient work environment.

Windows Server 2012 R2 offers a great foundation for our customers to deliver private and hybrid cloud services to their constituents. This course looks into how Windows Server 2012 R2 helps businesses overcome the technical challenges involved in integrating solution elements while simultaneously meeting business and technical requirements. This course also describes how R2 features offer greater agility and efficiency benefits.

The world of bring-your-own devices (BYOD) provides businesses and users with flexible and low-cost productivity and connection solutions. At the same time, it presents IT Pros and admins with serious challenges in securing their infrastructure. In this course you will learn how Windows Server 2012 R2 helps you provision, manage and secure these devices while creating a seamless experience for the user.